I recently visited the Rubin Museum on 17th street in New York. I originally attended this museum for the sole reason to complete an assignment for my art history class but my visit became much more.
The first purpose of visiting this very specialized and interesting museum was to find Indian art that portrayed the main religions practiced in India. The two main religions are Buddhism, and Hinduism. They both are very similar yet, fairly different. For our assignment we had to identify a Buddha, and write an essay about it, we also had to identify a Hindu deity (god). Fortunately the museum was covered in artifacts, paintings, and representations of these worshiped gods and goddesses so I was able to take a picture and be on my way immediately. I assumed that I would walk in and walk out of the museum, but my friends, and the fact that I had to pay $10 made me stay a little longer; I am so glad I did stay longer.
I explored past the first floor of the museum and found many interesting things that the museum had to offer. I went to each floor closely examining exhibits like the OM room, and the recreation of a shrine room. These exhibits engulfed you in indian culture and made me understand their culture and my assignment much better. I took my time and found many pieces of art that I really enjoyed. Taking the extra step, and further exploring the museum turned out to help me out in the long run, and teach mea valuable lesson.
I learned two important lessons that will help me in my freshman year. I found that I should not always just do the assignment, and turn it in as soon as I think I’m finished. I should think about assignments more, and go the extra mile because it will prove to help me understand the work better, and enjoy what I am doing. I also learned that New York has so much to offer, and I just have to go out there and look for it.
